Military veterans

I tend to agree with the line of thought that your hiring qualifications should be based more on the type of person you're looking for rather than the amount of experience they possess. It's much easier to train the right person than it is to change someone who knows what they're doing but is set in their ways. That usually never ends well because the relationship is combative right from the get-go.

Plus, the lack of experience means you can start them off at a lower pay scale and use it as motivation for not only learning the trade, but learning it the right way, which in this case, is *your* way. If it doesn't work out in the end, then be glad it didn't cost you a premium wage to find out.

Trent's got a really good point about someone who's already "trained." Let's change that to "entrained," meaning, like a locomotive type train, on some tracks and going in some particular direction, no matter where you're going!

Ever accidentally teach a new client something, then find out the A/V system doesn't work exactly that way? It's difficult to untrain them, to empty the brain to the point where you can put in the correct instructions. Same with installers.

There's a "new age" story that applies here, from [Link: myrkothum.com] and lots of other places:


(On the other hand, there's the response to a lot of new age ideas, "don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out." This is especially helpful when people who don't understand science and proofs tell you things that are scientific nonsense.)

Sounds to me like all the great techs out there are worth far more than they are getting ;)

Simple as supply and demand....... Supply of good techs is at an all time low, demand is at an all time high, which is driving wages up up up!!

Everybody go ask for a raise!

 

You also have to look at the market your in.
I don't know Gman, but somewhere in a thread I got the impression he is not far from me in the Toronto area or a suburb close by. There are already too many integrators running around this city and the surrounding area. Every year we see tech's leaving companies after learning what they feel is enough to go and make it on their own. After all those big 100,000 projects make you rich. (don't they??)

So, yes, in this market finding good help is not easy.
Best bet is to put the word out through some reps you deal with. They are a great source for finding out if someone is good, and possibly not happy where they are. Otherwise find a good ex cable, or bell guy and plan on training them from the ground up. They should be able to pull wire, and one would hope can pick up the easy tasks quickly. The rest will take some time. At least you can train them to do things your way.

Your distributor may be able to assist with this as well. I routinely field looking for work/looking for workers for folks in our area. If you are patient, that can be a good way to pursue it...

"Find a good ex cable guy."

Is there such a thing?


"should be able to pull wire."

Should is the key word. Have you seen the work most of these guys do?



Stapling a wire to the outside wall, and then drilling through the wall into a room is the norm. Sad but true.

I STRONGLY DISAGREE! ;)

I'm east of you in Kingston

If you ever need extra hands to get the job done, I'm happy to come our and/or send some of my guys. I know that's not a perfect solution, but in the interim it might help you if you are really crunched (and we're used to working 2 hours away....)

Thanks Andrew. I may take you up on that offer when I'm smoked .

We did a large home outside of Kingston, I like it out there. Seemed a little more civilized than here in the city. There are some great properties along the St. Lawrence in your area.

Back on topic:

What are your experiences with hiring military veterans?  I like the concept of a person who knows how to take an order and not think it is open for interpretation.

Now you go.

I have the greatest respect for the military people risking there lives to keep us safe. But as a fellow employee I hated it. They thought if they "outranked" you, you had to listen to there orders even if they were wrong. They spent years working with million dollar equipment that didn't exist outside the military and they thought that gave them an edge over people who had more experience then them in Av.

I had found carpenter make great av guys. They already know what is going on inside the walls. There great with measurements. And av grunt work is better than being on a roof.

I think the hiring your techs helper Idea was also a good idea

I have a few customers in the city but prefer to stay out of the concrete jungle. Traffic in Toronto just makes me angry. :)